Wigan Warriors ace shrugs off Man of Steel talk

The 24-year-old utility back joined Wigan from NRL outfit Parramatta towards the end of last season, which has helped him to hit the ground running this term.

Stand-out displays in two of the first three games – against Warrington and Toronto – have already led to some suggesting he’s a frontrunner for the biggest individual prize in the game.

French, though, insists it’s all about the team – and nothing will distract him from his primary goal of helping Wigan win some silverware after a barren 2019.

When asked had the Man of Steel entered his thinking, French replied: “Not really, to be honest.

“Individually I’ve set the standard pretty high for myself.

“I don’t really focus on awards, I just set goals for myself that I really want to do.

“I think if you do that, even down the line, think of yourself as award winners individually...I think it can put a dint in your team maybe, you become a bit selfish and things like that.

“The main goal is obviously the trophy at the end of the year, and whatever comes off the back of that, comes.”